Sensor-equipped display device

ABSTRACT

A sensor-equipped display device is provided and includes a display panel and a detection electrode. The panel includes a display area in which unit pixels are arranged in a matrix, each of unit pixels including subpixels. The electrode includes conductive line fragments arranged on a detection surface, and is configured to detect a contact of an object to the surface. The detection electrode has an electrode pattern formed of the line fragments on a grid defined by first and second lines. Extending directions of the first and second lines are tilted based on a first and second unit length of the unit pixel in the first and second direction.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/718,576, filed on Sep. 28, 2017, whichapplication is a continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/734,465, filed on Jun. 9, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,791,984 on Oct. 17, 2017, which application claims priority toJapanese Priority Patent Application JP 2014-119628 filed in the JapanPatent Office on Jun. 10, 2014, the entire content of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sensor-equippeddisplay device.

BACKGROUND

Display devices including sensors which detect a contact or approach ofan object are used commercially (they are often referred to astouchpanels). As an example of such sensors, there is a capacitivesensor which detects a contact or the like of an object based on achange in the capacitance between a detection electrode and a drivingelectrode facing each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween.

The detection electrodes and the driving electrodes are disposed tooverlap with a display area to detect a contact or the like of an objecttherein. However, the detection electrodes and the driving electrodesdisposed in such a manner and the pixels contained in the display areamay generate interference which will generate a moiré.

Sensor-equipped display devices which can prevent or reduce a moiré arerequired.

SUMMARY

This application relates generally to a display device including asensor-equipped display device.

In an embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device is provided. Thesensor-equipped display device includes a display panel including adisplay area in which unit pixels are arranged in a matrix, each of unitpixels including a plurality of subpixels corresponding to differentcolors; and a detection electrode including conductive line fragmentsarranged on a detection surface which is parallel to the display area,the detection electrode configured to detect a contact or approach of anobject to the detection surface, wherein the detection electrodeincludes an electrode pattern formed of the line fragments on a griddefined by first lines extending parallel to each other within thedetection surface and second lines extending parallel to each otherwithin the detection surface, the first lines and the second linescrossing each other to form intersections, and the line fragmentsselectively arranged between intersections adjacent to each other in thegrid, an extending direction of the first lines, an extending directionof the second lines, and a diagonal line direction of the grid aretilted with respect to a first direction by an angle corresponding toarc tangent of a ratio between a value obtained by multiplying a firstunit length of the unit pixel in the first direction by a first integerwhich is two or more and a value obtained by multiplying second unitlength of the unit pixel in a second direction which is orthogonal tothe first direction by a second integer which is two or more anddifferent from the first integer, and the first direction is a directionin which, amongst the plurality of subpixels, subpixels having maximumluminosity for humans are aligned on the display area.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows the structure ofa sensor-equipped display device of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view which schematically shows the basic structure andequivalent circuit of the display device.

FIG. 3 is a view which schematically shows an equivalent circuit of asubpixel of the display device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which schematically and partly showsthe structure of the display device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view which schematically shows the structure of asensor of the display device.

FIG. 6 is a view which illustrates a principle of sensing(mutual-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of thedisplay device.

FIG. 7 is a view which illustrates another principle of sensing(self-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of the displaydevice.

FIG. 8 is a view which illustrates said another principle of sensing(self-capacitive sensing method) performed by the sensor of the displaydevice.

FIG. 9 is a view which illustrates a specific example of how to drivethe sensor in the self-capacitive sensing method.

FIG. 10 is a view which schematically shows detection electrodes of thesensor of the display device, which are arranged in a matrix.

FIG. 11 is a view which illustrates an electrode pattern of thedetection electrodes of the sensor of the display device.

FIG. 12 is a view which shows an example of a display area of thedisplay device.

FIG. 13 shows evaluation results of moiré between electrode patternshaving linear metal lines and the display area.

FIG. 14 is a view which shows the display area of the display device andextending direction of the metal line in each evaluation example shownin FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows evaluation results of moiré between electrode patternshaving linear metal lines and the display area.

FIG. 16 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 1.

FIG. 17 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 2.

FIG. 18 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 3.

FIG. 19 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 4.

FIG. 20 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 5.

FIG. 21 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 6.

FIG. 22 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 7.

FIG. 23 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 8.

FIG. 24 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 9.

FIG. 25 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 10.

FIG. 26 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 11.

FIG. 27 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 12.

FIG. 28 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 13.

FIG. 29 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 14.

FIG. 30 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofexample 15.

FIG. 31 is a view which illustrates a display area of variation 1.

FIG. 32 is a view which illustrates a display area of variation 2.

FIG. 33 is a view which schematically shows part of electrode pattern ofvariation 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped displaydevice includes a display panel and a detection electrode. The displaypanel includes a display area in which unit pixels are arranged in amatrix, each of unit pixels including a plurality of subpixelscorresponding to different colors. The detection electrode includesconductive line fragments arranged on a detection surface which isparallel to the display area, and the electrode is configured to detecta contact or approach of an object to the detection surface. Thedetection electrode has an electrode pattern formed of the linefragments on a grid defined by first lines extending parallel to eachother within the detection surface and second lines extending parallelto each other within the detection surface, the first lines and thesecond lines crossing each other to form intersections, and the linefragments selectively arranged between intersections adjacent to eachother in the grid. An extending direction of the first lines, anextending direction of the second lines, and a diagonal line directionof the grid are tilted with respect to a first direction by an anglecorresponding to arc tangent of a ratio between a value obtained bymultiplying a first unit length of the unit pixel in the first directionby a first integer which is two or more and a value obtained bymultiplying second unit length of the unit pixel in a second directionwhich is orthogonal to the first direction by a second integer which istwo or more and different from the first integer. And the firstdirection is a direction in which, amongst the plurality of subpixels,subpixels having maximum luminosity for humans are aligned on thedisplay area.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be explainedwith reference to accompanying drawings.

Note that the disclosure is presented for the sake of exemplification,and any modification and variation conceived within the scope and spiritof the invention by a person having ordinary skill in the art arenaturally encompassed in the scope of invention of the presentapplication. Furthermore, a width, thickness, shape, and the like ofeach element are depicted schematically in the Figures as compared toactual embodiments for the sake of simpler explanation, and they are notto limit the interpretation of the invention of the present application.Furthermore, in the description and Figures of the present application,structural elements having the same or similar functions will bereferred to by the same reference numbers and detailed explanations ofthem that are considered redundant may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows the structure ofa sensor-equipped display device of an embodiment. In this embodiment, asensor-equipped display device is a liquid crystal display device.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and the display device maybe self-luminous display devices such as an organic electroluminescentdisplay device and the like, electronic paper display devices includingelectrophoresis elements and the like, and other flatpanel displaydevices. Furthermore, the sensor-equipped display device of the presentembodiment may be adopted in various devices such as smartphones, tabletterminals, mobilephones, notebook computers, and gaming devices.

The liquid crystal display device DSP includes an active matrix typeliquid crystal display panel PNL, driving IC chip IC1 which drives theliquid crystal display panel PNL, capacitive sensor SE, driving IC chipIC2 which drives the sensor SE, backlight unit BL which illuminates theliquid crystal panel PNL, control module CM, and flexible printedcircuits FPC1, FPC2, and FPC3.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1,second substrate SUB2 opposed to the first substrate SUB1, and liquidcrystal layer (liquid crystal layer LQ which is described later) heldbetween the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. In thepresent embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 may be reworded into anarray substrate and the second substrate SUB2 may be reworded into acountersubstrate. The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes adisplay area (active area) DA which displays images. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL is a transmissive type display panel having atransmissive display function which displays images by selectivelytransmitting the light from the backlight unit BL. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL may be a transflective type display panel having areflective display function which displays images by selectivelyreflecting external light in addition to the transmissive displayfunction.

The backlight unit BL is disposed at the rear surface side of the firstsubstrate SUB1. As a light source of the backlight unit BL, variousmodels can be used including luminescent diode (light emitting diode,LED) and the like. If the liquid crystal display panel PNL is ofreflective type having the reflective display function alone, the liquidcrystal display device DSP does not necessarily include the backlightunit BL.

The sensor SE includes a plurality of detection electrodes Rx. Thedetection electrodes Rx are provided with a detection surface (X-Y flatsurface) which is, for example, above and parallel to the displaysurface of the liquid crystal display panel PNL. In the exampledepicted, the detection electrodes Rx are extended substantially indirection X and are arranged side-by-side in direction Y. Otherwise, thedetection electrodes Rx may be extended in direction Y and arrangedside-by-side in direction X, or the detection electrodes Rx may beformed in an island shape and be arranged in a matrix in directions Xand Y. In this embodiment, directions X and Y are orthogonal to eachother.

The driving IC chip IC1 is mounted on the first substrate SUB1 of theliquid crystal display panel PNL. The flexible printed circuit FPC1connects the liquid crystal display panel PNL with the control moduleCM. The flexible printed circuit FPC2 connects the detection electrodesRx of the sensor SE with the control module CM. The driving IC chip IC2is mounted on the flexible printed circuit FPC2. The flexible printedcircuit FPC3 connects the backlight unit BL with the control module CM.

FIG. 2 is a view which schematically shows the basic structure andequivalent circuit of the liquid crystal display device DSP shown inFIG. 1. In addition to the liquid crystal display panel PNL, the liquidcrystal display device DSP includes a source line driving circuit SD,gate line driving circuit GD, common electrode driving circuit CD withina non-display area NDA which is outside the display area DA.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a plurality of subpixelsSPX within the display area DA. The subpixels SPX are arranged in amatrix of i×j (i and j are positive integers) in directions X and Y.Subpixels SPX are provided to correspond to colors such as red, green,blue, and white. A unit pixel PX is composed of subpixels SPX thosecorrespond to different colors, and is a minimum unit which constitutesa displayed color image. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panelPNL includes j gate lines G (G1 to Gj), i source lines S (S1 to Si), andcommon electrode CE within the display area DA.

The gate lines G are extended substantially linearly in direction X tobe drawn outside the display area DA and connected to the gate linedriving circuit GD. Furthermore, the gate lines G are arranged indirection Y at intervals. The source lines S are extended substantiallylinearly in direction Y to be drawn outside the display area DA to crossthe gate lines G. Furthermore, the source lines S are arranged indirection X at intervals. The gate lines G and the source lines S arenot necessarily extended linearly and may be extended partly being bent.The common electrode CE is drawn outside the display area DA to beconnected with the common electrode driving circuit CD. The commonelectrode CE is shared with a plurality of subpixels SPX. The commonelectrode CE is described later in detail.

FIG. 3 is a view which shows an equivalent circuit of the subpixel SPXshown in FIG. 2. Each subpixel SPX includes a switching element PSW,pixel electrode PE, common electrode CE, and liquid crystal layer LQ.The switching element PSW is formed of, for example, a thin filmtransistor. The switching element PSW is electrically connected to thegate line G and the source line S. The switching element PSW is ofeither top gate type or bottom gate type. The semiconductor layer of theswitching element PSW is formed of, for example, polysilicon; however,it may be formed of amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, or the like.The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected with the switchingelement PSW. The pixel electrode PE is opposed to the common electrodeCE. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE form a retainingcapacitance CS.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view which schematically and partly showsthe structure of the liquid crystal display device DSP. The liquidcrystal display device DSP includes a first optical element OD1 andsecond optical element OD2 in addition to the above-described liquidcrystal display panel PNL and backlight unit BL. The liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL depicted in the Figure has a structure correspondingto a fringe field switching (FFS) mode as its display mode; however, nolimitation is intended thereby, and the liquid crystal display panel PNLmay have a structure which corresponds to another display mode.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes the first substrate SUB1,second substrate SUB2, and liquid crystal layer LQ. The first substrateSUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are attached to each other with acertain cell gap formed therebetween. The liquid crystal layer LQ isheld in the cell gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2.

The first substrate SUB1 is formed based on a transmissive firstinsulating substrate 10 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate.The first substrate SUB1 includes the source lines S, common electrodesCE, pixel electrode PE, first insulating film 11, second insulating film12, third insulating film 13, and first alignment film AL1 on thesurface of the first insulating substrate 10 at the side opposed to thesecond substrate SUB2.

The first insulating film 11 is disposed on the first insulatingsubstrate 10. Although this is not described in detail, the gate linesG, gate electrode of the switching element, and semiconductor layer areprovided between the first insulating substrate 10 and the firstinsulating film 11. The source lines S are formed on the firstinsulating film 11. Furthermore, source electrode and drain electrode ofthe switching element PSW are formed on the first insulating film 11.

The second insulating film 12 is disposed on the source lines S and thefirst insulating film 11. The common electrode CE is formed on thesecond insulating film 12. This common electrode CE is formed of atransparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) andindium zinc oxide (IZO). In the example depicted, a metal layer ML isformed on the common electrode CE to lower the resistance of the commonelectrode CE; however, this metal layer ML may be omitted.

The third insulating film 13 is disposed on the common electrodes CE andthe second insulating film 12. The pixel electrodes PE are formed on thethird insulating film 13. Each pixel electrode PE is disposed betweenadjacent source lines S to be opposed to the common electrode CE.Furthermore, each pixel electrode has a slit SL at a position to beopposed to the common electrode CE. This pixel electrode PE is formed ofa transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The firstalignment film AL1 covers the pixels electrodes and the third insulatingfilm 13.

On the other hand, the second substrate SUB2 is formed based on atransmissive second insulating substrate 20 such as a glass substrate ora resin substrate. The second substrate SUB2 includes black matrixes BM,color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, overcoat layer OC, and second alignmentfilm AL2 on the surface of the second insulating substrate 20 at theside opposed to the first substrate SUB1.

The black matrixes BM are formed on the inner surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20 to define the subpixels SPX one another.

Each of color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB is formed on the inner surfaceof the second insulating substrate 20 and partly overlaps the blackmatrix BM. Color filter CFR is a red filter which is disposed tocorrespond to a red subpixel SPXR and is formed of a red resin material.Color filter CFG is a green filter which is disposed to correspond to agreen subpixel SPXG and is formed of a green resin material. Colorfilter CFB is a blue filter which is disposed to correspond to a bluesubpixel SPXB and is formed of a blue resin material. In the exampledepicted, a unit pixel PX is composed of subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXBthose correspond to red, green, and blue, respectively. However, theunit pixel PX is not limited to a combination of the above-mentionedthree subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB. For example, the unit pixel PX maybe composed of four subpixels SPX including a white subpixel SPXW inaddition to the subpixel SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB. In that case, a white ortransparent filter may be disposed to correspond to the subpixel SPXW,or a color filter corresponding to the subpixel SPXW may be omitted. Or,a subpixel of a different color such as yellow may be disposed insteadof a white subpixel.

The overcoat layer OC covers color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. Theovercoat layer OC is formed of a transparent resin material. The secondalignment film AL2 covers the overcoat layer OC.

The detection electrode Rx is formed on the outer surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20. That is, in the present embodiment, thedetection surface is disposed on the outer surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20. The detailed structure of the detectionelectrode Rx is described later.

As can be clearly understood from FIGS. 1 to 4, both the detectionelectrode Rx and the common electrode CE are disposed in differentlayers in the normal direction of the display area DA, and they areopposed to each other with dielectrics intervening therebetween such asthird insulating film 13, first alignment film AL1, liquid crystal layerLQ, second alignment film AL2, overcoat layer OC, color filters CFR,CFG, and CFB, and second insulating substrate 20.

The first optical element OD1 is interposed between the first insulatingsubstrate 10 and the backlight unit BL. The second optical element OD2is disposed above the detection electrode Rx. Each of the first opticalelement OD1 and the second optical element OD2 includes at least apolarizer and may include a retardation film if necessary.

Now, a display driving operation performed to display images in theliquid crystal display device DSP in the above-described FFS mode isdescribed. First, the off-state where no voltage is applied to theliquid crystal layer LQ is explained. The off-state is a state where apotential difference is not formed between the pixel electrode PE andthe common electrode CE. In this off-state, liquid crystal molecules inthe liquid crystal layer LQ are aligned in the same orientation withinX-Y plane as their initial alignment by the alignment restriction forcebetween the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2.The light from the backlight unit BL partly transmits the polarizer ofthe first optical element OD1 and is incident on the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL. The light incident on the liquid crystal displaypanel PNL is linear polarization which is orthogonal to an absorptionaxis of the polarizer. The state of the linear polarization does notsubstantially change when passing though the liquid crystal displaypanel PNL in the off-state. Thus, the majority of the linearpolarization which have passed through the liquid crystal display panelPNL are absorbed by the polarizer of the second optical element OD2(black display).

Next, the on-state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystallayer LQ is explained. The on-state is a state where a potentialdifference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE. That is, common driving signals are supplied to the commonelectrode CE to set it to the common potential. Furthermore, imagesignals to form the potential difference with respect to the commonpotential are supplied to the pixel electrode PE. Consequently, a fringefield is generated between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE in the on-state. In this on-state, the liquid crystalmolecules are aligned in the orientation different from that of theinitial alignment within X-Y plane. In the on-state, the linearpolarization which is orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizerof the first optical element OD1 is incident on the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL and its polarization state changes depending on thealignment of the liquid crystal molecules when passing through theliquid crystal layer LQ. Thus, in the on-state, at least part of thelight which has passed through the liquid crystal layer LQ transmits thepolarizer of the second optical element OD2 (white display). With thisstructure, a normally black mode is achieved.

Now, the capacitive sensor SE mounted on the liquid crystal displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment is explained. FIG. 5 is a plan viewwhich schematically shows a structural example of the sensor SE. In theexample depicted, the sensor SE is composed of the common electrode CEof the first substrate SUB1 and the detection electrodes Rx of thesecond substrate SUB2. That is, the common electrode CE functions as anelectrode for display and also as an electrode for sensor driving.

The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes lead lines L in additionto the common electrode CE and the detection electrodes Rx. The commonelectrode CE and the detection electrodes Rx are disposed within thedisplay area AA. In the example depicted, the common electrode CEincludes a plurality of divisional electrodes C. Divisional electrodes Care extended substantially linearly in direction Y and arranged atintervals in direction X within the display area DA. The detectionelectrodes Rx are extended substantially linearly in direction X andarranged at intervals in direction Y within the display area DA. Thatis, the detection electrodes Rx are extended to cross the divisionalelectrodes C. As mentioned above, the common electrode CE and thedetection electrodes Rx are opposed to each other with variousdielectrics intervening therebetween.

The number, size, and shape of the divisional electrodes C are notlimited specifically and can be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, thedivisional electrodes C may be arranged at intervals in direction Y andextended substantially linearly in direction X. Moreover, the commonelectrode CE is not necessarily divided and may be a single plateelectrode formed continuously within the display area DA.

Within the detection surface on which the detection electrodes Rx aredisposed, dummy electrodes DR are provided between adjacent detectionelectrodes Rx. The dummy electrodes DR are extended substantiallylinearly in direction X similarly to the detection electrodes Rx. Thesedummy electrodes DR are not connected with the lines such as lead linesL, and are in the electrically floating state. The dummy electrodes DRdo not play any role in detection of a contact or approach of an object.That is, the dummy electrodes DR are not necessary from the objectdetection standpoint. However, without such dummy electrodes DR, thescreen display of the liquid crystal display panel PNL will be opticallynonuniform. Therefore, the dummy electrodes DR should preferably beprovided.

The lead lines L are disposed within the non-display area NDA and areelectrically connected to the detection electrodes Rx one to one. Eachof the lead lines L outputs a sensor output value from its correspondingdetection electrode Rx. The lead lines L are disposed in the secondsubstrate SUB2 similarly to the detection electrodes Rx, for example.

The liquid crystal display device DSP further includes the commonelectrode driving circuit CD disposed within the non-display area NDA.Each of the divisional electrodes C is electrically connected to thecommon electrode driving circuit CD. The common electrode drivingcircuit CD selectively supplies common driving signals (first drivingsignals) to drive the subpixels SPX and sensor driving signals (seconddriving signals) to drive the sensor SE to the common electrode CE. Forexample, the common electrode driving circuit CD supplies the commondriving signals to the common electrode CE in a display driving time todisplay images on the display area DA and supplies sensor drivingsignals in a sensor driving time to detect a contact or approach of anobject to the detection surface.

The flexible printed circuit FPC2 is electrically connected to each ofthe lead lines L. A detection circuit RC is accommodated in, forexample, the driving IC chip IC2. The detection circuit RC detects acontact or approach of an object to the liquid crystal display deviceDSP base on the sensor output value from the detection electrodes Rx.Furthermore, the detection circuit RC can detect positional data of theposition to which the object contacts or approaches. The detectioncircuit RC may be accommodated in the control module CM instead.

Now, the specific operation performed in detecting a contact or approachof an object by the liquid crystal display device DSP is explained withreference to FIG. 6. A capacitance Cc exists between the divisionalelectrodes C and the detection electrodes Rx. The common electrodedriving circuit CD supplies pulse-shaped sensor driving signals Vw toeach of the divisional electrodes C at certain periods. In the exampledepicted, a finger of a user is given to be close to a crossing point ofa particular detection electrode Rx and a particular divisionalelectrode C. The finger close to the detection electrode Rx generates acapacitance Cx. When the pulse-shaped sensor driving signals Vw aresupplied to the divisional electrodes C, the particular detectionelectrode Rx shows a pulse-shaped sensor output value Vr of which levelis less than those are obtained from the other detection electrodes.This sensor output value Vr is supplied to the detection circuit RCthrough the lead lines L.

The detection circuit RC detects two-dimensional positional data of thefinger within the X-Y plane (detection surface) based on the timing whenthe sensor driving signals Vw are supplied to the divisional electrodesC and the sensor output value Vr from each detection electrode Rx.Furthermore, capacitance Cx varies between the states where the fingeris close to the detection electrode Rx and where the finger is distantfrom the detection electrode Rx. Thus, the level of the sensor outputvalue Vr varies between the states where the finger is close to thedetection electrode Rx and where the finger is distant from thedetection electrode Rx. Using this mechanism, the detection circuit RCmay detect the proximity of the finger with respect to the sensor SE(distance between the finger and the sensor SE in the normal direction)based on the level of the sensor output value Vr.

The above-explained detection method of the sensor SE is referred to asa mutual-capacitive method or a mutual-capacitive sensing method. Thedetection method applied to the sensor SE is not limited to such amutual-capacitive sensing method and may be other methods. For example,the following methods may be applied to the sensor SE: a self-capacitivemethod, a self-capacitive sensing method, and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the specific operation performed in detecting acontact or approach of an object by the liquid crystal display deviceDSP using the self-capacitive sensing method. In FIGS. 7 and 8, thedetection electrodes Rx are formed as islands and arranged in a matrixalong directions X and Y on the display area DA. The lead lines L areelectrically connected to the detection electrodes Rx one to one attheir ends. The other ends of the lead lines L are, as in the exampleshown in FIG. 5, connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC2including the driving IC chip IC2 in which the detection circuit RC isaccommodated. In the example depicted, a finger of a user is given to beclose to a particular detection electrode Rx. The finger close to thedetection electrode Rx generates a capacitance Cx.

As shown in FIG. 7, the detection circuit RC supplies pulse-shapedsensor driving signals Vw (driving voltage) to each of the detectionelectrodes Rx at certain periods. By the sensor driving signals Vw, eachdetection electrode Rx itself is charged.

After the sensor driving signal Vw supply, the detection circuit RCreads the sensor output value Vr from each of the detection electrodesRx as shown in FIG. 8. The sensor output value Vr corresponds to, forexample, the charge on each detection electrode Rx itself. In thedetection electrodes Rx arranged on the X-Y plane (detection surface),the sensor output value Vr read from the detection electrode Rx at whicha capacitance Cx is generated between itself and the finger is differentfrom the sensor output values Vr read from the other detectionelectrodes Rx. Therefore, the detection circuit RC can detect thetwo-dimensional positional data of the finger on the X-Y plane based onthe sensor output values Vr of the detection electrodes Rx.

Now, a specific example of how to drive the sensor SE in theself-capacitive sensing method is explained with reference to FIG. 9. Inthe example depicted, a display operation performed in a displayoperation period Pd and a detection operation of input positional dataperformed in a detection operation period Ps within one frame (1F)period. The detection operation period Ps is a period excluded from thedisplay operation period Pd and is, for example, a blanking period inwhich the display operation halts.

In the display operation period Pd, the gate line driving circuit GDsupplies control signals to the gate lines G, the source line drivingcircuit SD supplies image signals Vsig to the source lines S, and thecommon electrode driving circuit CD supplies common driving signals Vcom(common voltage) to the common electrode CE (divisional electrodes C)for the drive of the liquid crystal display panel PNL.

In the detection operation period Ps, the input of control signal, imagesignal Vsig, and common driving signal Vcom to the liquid crystaldisplay panel PNL are stopped and the sensor SE is driven. When drivingthe sensor SE, the detection circuit RC supplies sensor driving signalsVw to the detection electrodes Rx, reads the sensor output values Vrindicative of changes in capacitance in the detection electrodes Rx, andoperates the input positional data based on the sensor output values Vr.In this detection operation period Rs, the common electrode drivingcircuit CD supplies potential adjustment signals Va, of which waveformis the same as that of the sensor driving signals Vw supplied to thedetection electrodes Rx, to the common electrode CE in synchronizationwith sensor driving signals Vw. Here, the same waveform means that thesensor driving signals Vw and the potential adjustment signals are thesame with respect to their phase, amplitude, and period. By supplyingsuch potential adjustment signals Va to the common electrode CE, a straycapacitance (parasitic capacitance) between the detection electrodes Rxand the common electrode CE can be removed and the operation of theinput positional data can be performed accurately.

FIG. 10 is a view which schematically shows an example of the detectionelectrodes Rx arranged in a matrix. In the example depicted, detectionelectrodes Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3 are aligned in direction Y. Detectionelectrodes Rx1 are connected to pads PD1 through lead lines L1.Detection electrodes Rx2 are connected to pads PD2 through lead linesL2. Detection electrodes Rx3 are directly connected to pads PD3. PadsPD1 to PD3 are connected to flexible printed circuit FPC2. Detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rx3 are, for example, formed in a mesh structure ofmetal material line fragments (line fragments T described later)connected to each other. However, the structure of detection electrodesRx1 to Rx3 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10 and may be replacedwith one of various structures including the structures described in thefollowing example.

In direction X, detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3, lead lines L1 and L2,and pads PD1 to PD3 are aligned at certain intervals. Between a set ofdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3 and its adjacent sets of detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rx3 in direction X, dummy electrodes DR are disposed.The dummy electrodes DR are formed in a mesh structure of line fragmentsas in detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3. However, the line fragments ofthe dummy electrode DR are not connected to each other or connected toany of detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3, lead lines L1 and L2, and padsPD1 to PD3. That is, the line fragments of the dummy electrode DR are inthe electrically floating state. By arranging the detection electrodesRx and the dummy electrodes DR which are alike in shape, the screendisplay of the liquid crystal display panel PNL can be maintainedoptically uniform.

Next, the detailed structure of the detection electrodes Rx isexplained. Note that the structure of the detection electrodes Rx can beapplied to various detection methods including the above-describedmutual-capacitive sensing method, self-capacitive sensing method, andthe like.

The detection electrodes Rx have an electrode pattern of metal materialline fragments (line fragments T described later) combined together. Theline fragment is formed of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), titan(Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), cupper (Cu), andchrome (Cr), or of an alloy including such a material. The width of theline fragment should preferably be set to fall within such a range thatdoes not decrease the transmissivity of each pixel while maintaining acertain resistance to a break. For example, the width may be set to fallwithin a range between 3 μm and 10 μm inclusive. For example, the linefragment may also be called as a conductive fragment, a metal fragment,a thin fragment, a unit fragment, a conductive line, a metal line, athin line, or a unit line.

The electrode pattern of the detection electrode Rx is explained withreference to FIG. 11. Before determining the electrode pattern, animaginary grid GRD is given initially as shown in FIG. 11. The imaginarygrid GRD is defined by a plurality of first lines L1 parallel to eachother and arranged at pitch P1 intervals and a plurality of second linesL2 parallel to each other and arranged at pitch P2 intervals. In FIG.11, pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal (P1=P2) and the first lines L1 andthe second lines L2 are orthogonal to each other. That is, in theexample shown in FIG. 11, a cell CL defined by two adjacent first linesL1 and two adjacent second lines L2 is a square. Pitch P1 and pitch P2may be different from each other. Furthermore, first lines L1 and secondlines L2 may cross at an acute (or obtuse) angle.

The electrode pattern PT of the detection electrodes Rx is a patternformed by selectively arranging line fragments T between two adjacentintersections of first lines L1 and second lines L2 contained in such agrid GRD. In the present embodiment, the adjacent intersections areconsecutive two intersections on a single first line L1 and consecutivetwo intersections on a single second line L2. That is, as a linefragment T, either line fragment Ta or line fragment Tb shown in FIG. 11can be used.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), first lines L1 are extended in direction DL1which is tilted at angle θ1 with respect to a first direction D1 (pixelarrangement direction) and second lines L2 extended in direction DL2which is tilted at angle θ2 with respect to direction D1. Firstdirection D1 forms clockwise angle and counterclockwise angle withdirection DL1, and angle θ1 corresponds to the smaller one. That is,angle θ1 is 90° or less. Furthermore, first direction D1 forms clockwiseangle and counterclockwise angle with direction DL2, and angle θ2corresponds to the smaller one. That is, angle θ2 is 90° or less. In thedisplay area DA, subpixels SPX which possess maximum luminosity forhumans (the human eye) are aligned in first direction D1. Note that adirection orthogonal to first direction D1 is defined as seconddirection D2.

A relationship between subpixels SPX and first direction D1 is explainedhere with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a part of the unit pixelsPX arranged in direction X and direction Y in the display area DA. Eachunit pixel PX is composed of red, green, and blue subpixels SPXR, SPXG,and SPXB. Red, green, and blue subpixels SPX are aligned in direction Y.Amongst red, green, and blue, the color possessing maximum luminosityfor humans is green. Therefore, in the example depicted, first directionD1 matches direction Y in which green subpixels SPXG are aligned.Furthermore, second direction D1 matches direction X.

Now, conditions for determining first lines L1 and second lines L2 areexplained. As shown in FIG. 12, the length of a unit pixel PX in firstdirection D1 is defined as first unit length d1 and the length of a unitpixel PX in second direction D2 is defined as second unit length d2.

Angles θ1 and θ2 formed by directions DL1 and DL2 of first lines L1 andsecond lines L2 with respect to the first direction D1, and pitch P1 andpitch P2 of first lines L1 and second lines L2 are determined to satisfythe following conditions 1 and 2.

[Condition 1]

First lines L1 and second lines L2 are tilted with respect to firstdirection D1 by the angles (θ1 and θ2) corresponding to arc tangent(atan) of the ratio between the value obtained by multiplying first unitlength d1 by a first integer M (M≥2) and the value obtained bymultiplying second unit length d2 by a second integer N (N≥2 and M≠N).

In order to define the grid GRD, a combination of first integer M andsecond integer N used to determine the tilt of first lines L1 must bedifferent from a combination of first integer M and second integer Nused to determine the tilt of second lines L2. Given that the firstinteger M and second integer N used to determine the tilt of first linesL1 are first integer M1 (M1≥2) and second integer N1 (N1≥2 and M1≠N1)and the first integer M and second integer N used to determine the tiltof second lines L2 are first integer M2 (M2≥2) and second integer N2(N2≥2 and M2≠N2), condition 1 can be represented by the followingformulae (1) and (2).

θ1=a tan[(N1×d2)/(M1×d1)]  (1)

θ2=a tan[(N2×d2)/(M2×d2)]  (2)

where M1: N1≠M2:N2

[Condition 2]

In the grid GRD, arrangement directions Ds on intersections of firstlines L1 and second lines L2 are tilted with respect to first directionD1 by the angles corresponding to arc tangent (a tan) of the ratiobetween the value obtained by multiplying first unit length d1 by afirst integer m (m≥2) and the value obtained by multiplying second unitlength d2 by a second integer n (n≥2 and m≠n).

Here, as the arrangement direction Ds on the intersections, firstarrangement direction Ds1, second arrangement direction Ds2, thirdarrangement direction Ds3, and fourth arrangement direction Ds4 aregiven in FIG. 11. First arrangement direction Ds1 and second arrangementdirection Ds2 extend in the diagonal lines of each cell CL in the gridGRD. Third arrangement direction Ds3 is parallel to the first lines L1.Fourth arrangement direction Ds4 is parallel to the second lines L2. Ascan be understood from FIG. 11, third arrangement direction Ds3 andfourth arrangement direction Ds4 satisfy condition 2 as long as thefirst line L1 and second line L2 satisfy the above condition 1.Therefore, only first arrangement direction Ds1 and second arrangementdirection Ds2 should satisfy the above tilting conditions to conform tocondition 2.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), the tilt angle of first arrangement directionDs1 with respect to first direction D1 is defined as φ1 and the tiltangle of second arrangement direction Ds2 with respect to firstdirection D1 is defined as φ2. First arrangement direction Ds1 and firstdirection D1 form clockwise angle and counterclockwise angle, and angleφ1 corresponds to the smaller one. That is, angle φ1 is 90° or less.Furthermore, second arrangement direction Ds2 and first direction D1form clockwise angle and counterclockwise angle, and angle φ2corresponds to the smaller one. That is, angle φ2 is 90° or less. Giventhat the first integer m and second integer n used to determine the tiltof first arrangement direction Ds1 are first integer m1 (m1≥2) andsecond integer n1 (n1≥2 and m1≠n1), respectively, and the first integerm and second integer n used to determine the tilt of second arrangementdirection Ds2 are first integer m2 (m2≥2) and second integer n2 (n2≥2and m2≠n2), respectively, condition 2 can be represented by thefollowing formulae (3) and (4).

φ1=a tan[(n1×d2)/(m1×d1)]  (3)

φ2=a tan[(n2×d2)/(m2×d1)]  (4)

where m1:n1≠m2:n2

Angles θ1 and θ2 and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are determined to satisfy theabove conditions 1 and 2.

Now, the reasons why the above conditions 1 and 2 are adopted areexplained.

The reason why condition 1 is adopted is explained first with referenceto FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 indicates results of the tests performed toevaluate moiré on the liquid crystal display panels PNL of type (A) andtype (B) with electrode patterns composed of a plurality of linear metallines arranged parallel to each other at certain intervals, the linearmetal lines having substantially the same width as that of the linefragments Ta and Tb and the electrode patterns. As shown in FIG. 12, theliquid crystal display panel PNL of type (A) includes a display area DAin which a plurality of unit pixels PX are arranged in a matrix in bothdirections X and Y, each unit pixel PX composed of red subpixel SPXR,green subpixel SPXG, and blue subpixel SPXB arranged in direction X. Theunit pixel PX of the type (A) has first unit length d1 and second unitlength d2 both being 90 μm. As described in the explanation of FIG. 12,first direction D1 corresponds to direction Y and second direction D2corresponds to direction X in the type (A).

As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal display panel PNL of type (B)includes a display area in which a plurality of unit pixels PX arearranged in a matrix in both directions X and Y, each unit pixel PXcomposed of red subpixel SPXR, green subpixel SPXG, blue subpixel SPXB,white subpixel SPXW arranged in direction X. The unit pixel PX of thetype (B) has first unit length d1 of 90 μm and second unit length d2 of120 μm. Amongst red, green, blue, and white, the color possessing themaximum luminosity for humans is white. Therefore, in the exampledepicted in FIG. 14, first direction D1 corresponds to direction Y inwhich white subpixels SPXW are aligned. Furthermore, second direction D2corresponds to direction X.

The tests were carried out to evaluate moiré on both the liquid crystaldisplay panels of type (A) and type (B) using the electrode patterns ofevaluation examples E101 to E121 as shown in FIG. 13. Each of evaluationexamples E101 to E121 shows the evaluation of moiré occurring when thetilt angle formed by the metal lines of each electrode pattern withfirst direction D1 was changed by angle θ. Angle θ corresponds to arctangent of the ratio between the value obtained by multiplying firstunit length d1 by first integer M and the value obtained by multiplyingsecond unit length d2 by second integer N. First integer M and secondinteger N were changed from 0 to 6. The values of first integer M,second integer N, and angle θ in each of evaluation examples E101 toE121 are as shown in FIG. 13. For the referential sake, the extendingdirections of the metal line of each of evaluation examples E101 to E121are indicated by the arrows on the display area DA of the type (B)starting from the origin O at the upper left of FIG. 14. For example, inevaluation example E101, first integer M is 1 and second integer N is 0.Therefore, the arrow indicating the extending direction of the metalline of evaluation example E101 starts from the origin O going toward aposition 1×d1 in first direction D1 and 0×d2 (=0) in second directionD2. Furthermore, for example, in evaluation example E110, first integerM is 6 and second integer N is 5. Therefore, the arrow indicating theextending direction of the metal line of evaluation example E110 startsfrom the origin O going toward a position 6×d1 in first direction D1 and5×d2 in second direction D2.

In the evaluations, the moiré was rated on a scale of 1 to 6 where scale1 corresponds to the best display quality (least influenced by moiré)and scale 6 corresponds to the poorest display quality (most influencedby moiré). Scales 1 to 6 are hereinafter referred to as levels 1 to 6.As a result, in both the type (A) and the type (B), evaluation examplesE101 and E121 indicated level 6, evaluation example E111 indicated level5, evaluation examples E102 to E105 and E117 to E120 indicated level 4,evaluation examples E107 and E115 indicated level 3, evaluation examplesE106 and E116 indicated level 2, and evaluation examples E108 to E110and E112 to E114 indicated level 1.

As obvious from these evaluations, moiré occurs frequently when angle θformed by the metal line of the electrode pattern and first direction D1is approximately 0°, 45°, or 90°. Arguably, this is because, when angleθ takes these degrees, a contrast pattern generated by the metal linesand the subpixels SPX in the display area DA (in particular, thesubpixles having the maximum luminosity for humans) overlapping witheach other will appear in a cycle easily visible to humans.

Furthermore, as obvious from these evaluations, relatively fineevaluation results (levels 1 to 3) can be obtained when both firstinteger M and second integer N are 2 or more (M and N≥2). However, whenboth first integer M and second integer N are the same, angle θ takesthe value which corresponds to evaluation example E111, and thus, theevaluation result is, as in evaluation example E111, no good. As can beunderstood from this point, first integer M and second integer N must bedifferent (M≠N).

The evaluation results of the electrode patterns including the abovelinear metal lines will be the same if the evaluations are performedwith respect to the line fragments Ta and Tb. That is, when the linefragments Ta and Tb are tilted with respect to first direction D1 atangles θ showing the good results in the above evaluations, moiré can beprevented or reduced.

In the present embodiment, line fragments Ta extend in parallel to firstlines L1 and line fragments Tb extend in parallel to second lines L2.Therefore, when first lines L1 and second lines L2 are tilted withrespect to first direction D1 at angles θ those showed the good resultsin the above evaluations, moiré caused by the interference between theline fragments Ta and Tb and the display area DA can be prevented orreduced. As above, condition 1 is derived.

Furthermore, as obvious from the level 1 results obtained in evaluationexamples E108 to E110 and E112 to E114, moiré can be prevented orreduced much better when the absolute value of the difference betweenthe first integer M and the second integer N is 1 (|M−N|=1) whilesatisfying condition 1. For example, in order to apply this condition tothe first lines L1, angle θ1 is determined such that the absolute valueof the difference between the first integer M1 and the second integer N1takes 1 (|M1−N1|=1). Or, in order to apply this condition to the secondlines L2, angle θ2 is determined such that the absolute value of thedifference between the first integer M2 and the second integer N2 takes1 (|M2−N2|=1).

In evaluation examples E107 and E115, although the absolute value of thedifference between the first integer M and the second integer N was 1,the evaluation result indicated level 3, respectively. From this point,if the first integer M and the second integer N are both 3 or more (Mand N≥3), moiré can be prevented or reduced more efficiently.

Now, the reason why condition 2 is adopted is explained with referenceto FIG. 15. FIG. 15 indicates results of the tests performed to evaluatemoiré on the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panels PNL of type(A) and type (B) with electrode patterns including a crossing pointgroup arranged in the arrangement direction tilted with respect to firstdirection D1 at angles φ defined in evaluation examples E201 to E221.The intersections included in these electrode patterns are formed bycrossing two metal thin lines having substantially the same width asthat of the line fragments Ta and Tb. Angles φ in evaluation examplesE201 to E221 correspond to arc tangent of the ratio between the valueobtained by multiplying first unit length d1 by first integer m and thevalue obtained by multiplying second unit length d2 by second integer n.First integer m and second integer n were changed from 0 to 6. Thevalues of first integer m, second integer n, and angle φ in each ofevaluation examples E201 to E221 are as shown in FIG. 15. For example,when the display area DA of the type (B) is used, the arrangementdirections of the crossing point groups of evaluation examples E201 toE221 correspond to the arrows of evaluation examples E101 to E121indicated in FIG. 14, respectively.

The evaluation target here is moiré generated by the interferencebetween the crossing point of the metal thin lines and the display areaDA. At the crossing point of the metal thin lines, an area of the metalthin lines per unit area increases and the transmissivity of the lightfrom the display area DA decreases. Therefore, on the display area DA, aline of low transmissivity is generated due to the intersections of themetal thin lines along the arrangement direction, and the line of lowtransmissivity crosses subpixels SPX to generate moiré.

As in FIG. 13, the moiré was rated on a scale of 1 to 6 (levels 1 to 6).In the evaluations, in both the type (A) and the type (B), evaluationexamples E201 and E221 indicated level 6, evaluation example E211indicated level 5, evaluation examples E202 to E205 and E217 to E220indicated level 4, evaluation examples E206 and E216 indicated level 2,evaluation examples E207 to E210 and E212 to E215 indicated level 1.

As obvious from these evaluations, moiré occurs frequently when angle φformed by the arrangement direction of the crossing point group andfirst direction D1 is approximately 0°, 45°, or 90°. Arguably, this isbecause, when angle φ takes these degrees, a contrast pattern generatedby each crossing point and the subpixels SPX in the display area DA (inparticular, the subpixles having the maximum luminosity for humans)overlapping with each other will appear in a cycle easily visible tohumans.

Furthermore, as obvious from these evaluations, relatively fineevaluation results (levels 1 and 2) can be obtained when both firstinteger m and second integer n are 2 or more (m and n≥2). However, whenboth first integer m and second integer n are the same, angle φ takesthe value which corresponds to evaluation example E211, and thus, theevaluation result is, as in evaluation example E211, no good. As can beunderstood from this point, first integer m and second integer n must bedifferent (m≠n).

The evaluation results of the electrode patterns including the aboveintersections are applicable if the evaluations are performed withrespect to joints of the line fragments Ta and line fragments Tb in theabove-mentioned electrode patterns PT arranged on the grid GRD. Possibleconditions of such joints are: a joint of a single line fragment Ta anda single line fragment Tb connected with each other at their ends; ajoint of two line fragments Ta and a single line fragment Tb connectedwith each other at their ends; a joint of a single line fragment Ta andtwo line fragments Tb connected with each other at their ends; and ajoint of two line fragments Ta and two line fragments Tb connected witheach other at their ends.

As can be understood from FIG. 11, the joints of line fragments Ta andTb in the electrode patterns PT are on the intersections of the firstlines L1 and the second lines L2. Therefore, when the first to fourtharrangement directions Ds1 to Ds4 of the intersections on the grid GRDare tilted with respect to first direction D1 at angles φ those showedthe good results in the above evaluations, moiré caused by theinterference between the line fragments Ta and Tb and the display areaDA can be prevented or reduced. As above, condition 2 is derived.

Furthermore, as obvious from the level 1 results obtained in evaluationexamples E207 to E210 and E212 to E215, moiré can be prevented orreduced much better when the absolute value of the difference betweenthe first integer m and the second integer n is 1 (|m−n|=1) whilesatisfying condition 2. For example, in order to apply this condition tothe first arrangement direction Ds1, angle φ1 is determined such thatthe absolute value of the difference between the first integer m1 andthe second integer n1 takes 1 (|m1−n1|=1). Or, in order to apply thiscondition to the second arrangement direction Ds2, angle φ2 isdetermined such that the absolute value of the difference between thefirst integer m2 and the second integer n2 takes 1 (|m2−n2|=1).

Now, presented are examples 1 to 13 of the electrode patterns PT on agrid GRD in which line fragments Ta and Tb are arranged to satisfy aboveconditions 1 and 2.

EXAMPLE 1

FIG. 16 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 1. In the Figure, not only the electrode pattern PT but also thedisplay area DA of the liquid crystal display panel PNL on whichdetection electrodes Rx including the electrode pattern PT are depicted.Within the display area DA, pixels PX each including red subpixel SPXR,green subpixel SPXG, blue subpixel SPXB, and white subpixel SPXW arearranged in a matrix extending in both directions X and Y.

A unit pattern U1 is shown at the left of FIG. 16. The electrode patternPT of this example is a set of unit patterns U1 arranged along extendingdirection DL1 of the first lines L1 of the grid GRD and along extendingdirection DL2 of the second lines L2 of the grid GRD. Unit pattern U1 isa pattern composed of a cell CL defined by consecutive two first linesL1 and consecutive two second lines L2 in which line fragments Ta1 andTa2 are disposed at two sides facing each other and line fragments Tb1and Tb2 are disposed at the other two sides facing each other. That is,unit pattern U1 is closed by the line fragments T. In the exampledepicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are orthogonal toeach other and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, unit patternU1 is a square.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU1 are formed to share one line fragment T. For example, in the two unitpatterns U1 arranged consecutively in extending direction DL1 of thefirst lines L1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U1 are formedsuch that one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary is used asline fragment Tb1 in one unit pattern U1 and is also used as linefragment Tb2 in the other unit pattern U1.

EXAMPLE 2

FIG. 17 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 2. A unit pattern U2 is shown at the left of FIG. 17. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U2arranged along the diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1)of cells CL in the grid GRD and along the other diagonal line direction(arrangement direction Ds2) of cells CL in the grid GRD.

Unit pattern U2 is a pattern composed of two cells CL defined byconsecutive two first lines L1 and consecutive three second lines L2 inwhich line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are disposed atsix sides of these cells CL excluding the side of the boundarytherebetween. That is, unit pattern U2 is closed by the line fragmentsT. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2are orthogonal to each other and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, unit pattern U2 is a rectangle whose long side is twice itsshort side.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU2 are formed to share one line fragment T. For example, in the two unitpatterns U2 arranged consecutively in arrangement direction Ds1, theoutlines of these two unit patterns U2 are formed such that one linefragment Ta disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 inone unit pattern U2 and is also used as line fragment Ta3 in the otherunit pattern U2.

EXAMPLE 3

FIG. 18 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 3. Unit patterns U3 a and U3 b are shown at the left of FIG. 18.The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U3 a and U3 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U3 a arranged along thediagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of cells CL in thegrid GRD and a plurality of unit patterns U3 b arranged along the samediagonal line direction, those are arranged alternately in the otherdiagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2) of the cells CL.

Unit pattern U3 a is a pattern composed of two cells CL defined byconsecutive two first lines L1 and consecutive three second lines L2 inwhich line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are disposed atsix sides of these cells CL excluding the side of the boundarytherebetween. Unit pattern U3 b is a pattern composed of two cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive two secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, and Tb6 aredisposed at six sides of these cells CL excluding the side of theboundary therebetween. That is, unit patterns U3 a and U3 b are closedby the line fragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 andthe second lines L2 are orthogonal to each other and pitch P1 and pitchP2 are equal. Therefore, each of unit patterns U3 a and U3 b is arectangle whose long side is twice its short side.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU3 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U3 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U3 a and U3 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U3 a arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds1, the outlines of these twounit patterns U3 a are formed such that one line fragment Ta disposed attheir boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 in one unit pattern U3 a andis also used as line fragment Ta3 in the other unit pattern U3 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U3 b arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds1, the outlines of these twounit patterns U3 b are formed such that one line fragment Tb disposed attheir boundary is used as line fragment Tb4 in one unit pattern U3 b andis also used as line fragment Tb5 in the other unit pattern U3 b.

One unit pattern U3 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U3 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U3 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are shared with the outlines of the four unitpatterns U3 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U3 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U3a. The outline of this unit pattern U3 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb3, and Tb6 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U3 a.

EXAMPLE 4

FIG. 19 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 4. Unit patterns U4 a and U4 b are shown at the left of FIG. 19.The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U4 a and U4 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U4 a arranged alongextending direction DL1 of the first lines L1 of the grid GRD and aplurality of unit patterns U4 b arranged along the same extendingdirection DL1, those are arranged alternately along diagonal linedirection Ds5 of a rectangle composed of three cells CL consecutive inextending direction DL2 of the second lines L2.

Unit pattern U4 a is a pattern composed of three out of four cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive three secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, andTb4 are disposed at eight sides of these cells CL excluding the sides ofthe boundaries therein. Unit pattern U4 b is a pattern composed of threeout of four cells CL defined by consecutive three first lines L1 andconsecutive three second lines L2 in which line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Ta7,Ta8, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are disposed at eight sides of these cellsCL excluding the sides of the boundaries therein. That is, unit patternsU4 a and U4 b are closed by the line fragments T. In the exampledepicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are orthogonal toeach other and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, each of unitpatterns U4 a and U4 b is formed in a right-angled L-shape.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU4 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U4 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U4 a and U4 b are formed to share at least oneline fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U4 a arrangedconsecutively in extending direction DL1 of first lines L1, the outlinesof these two unit patterns U4 a are formed such that one line fragmentTb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb1 in one unitpattern U4 a and is also used as line fragment Tb4 in the other unitpattern U4 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U4 b arrangedconsecutively in extending direction DL1 of first lines L1, the outlinesof these two unit patterns U4 b are formed such that one line fragmentTb disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb5 in one unitpattern U4 b and is used as line fragment Tb8 in the other unit patternU4 b.

One unit pattern U4 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U4 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U4 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb2, and Tb3 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U4 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U4 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U4a. The outline of this unit pattern U4 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta5, Ta6, Ta7, Ta8, Tb6, and Tb7 are shared with the outlinesof the four unit patterns U4 a.

EXAMPLE 5

FIG. 20 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 5. A unit pattern U5 is shown at the left of FIG. 20. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U5arranged along extending direction DL1 of the first lines L1 and thediagonal line direction Ds5 of a rectangle composed of three cells CLconsecutive in extending direction DL2 of the second lines L2.

Unit pattern U5 is a pattern composed of six out of a plurality of cellsCL defined by consecutive five first lines L1 and consecutive foursecond lines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6,Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are disposed at fourteensides of these cells CL excluding the sides of the boundaries therein.That is, unit pattern U5 is closed by the line fragments T. In theexample depicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 areorthogonal to each other and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore,unit pattern U5 is formed as two right-angled L-shapes connected to eachother at their bending portions with one turned upside down.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU5 are formed to share at least one line fragment T. For example, in thetwo unit patterns U5 arranged consecutively in extending direction DL1of first lines L1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U5 are formedsuch that one line fragment Ta and two line fragments Tb disposed attheir boundary are used as line fragments Ta3, Tb1, and Tb3 in one unitpattern U5 and are also used as line fragments Ta4, Tb6, and Tb8 in theother unit pattern U5.

EXAMPLE 6

FIG. 21 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 6. The electrode pattern PT of this example is a set of zigzagdetection lines W extended along the diagonal line direction(arrangement direction Ds2) of cells CL in the grid GRD and arrangedalong the other diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) ofcells CL at certain intervals. A unit pattern U6 is shown at the left ofFIG. 21 and the detection line W is a set of unit patterns U6 connectedto each other at their ends and arranged along arrangement directionDs2.

Unit pattern U6 is a pattern composed of two line fragments Ta and Tbarranged at adjacent two sides in a cell defined by consecutive twofirst lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2. In the exampledepicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are orthogonal toeach other and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, unit patternU6 is formed in a right-angled L-shape.

EXAMPLE 7

FIG. 22 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 7. A unit pattern U7 is shown at the left of FIG. 22. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U7arranged along extending direction DL1 of the first lines L1 of the gridGRD and extending direction DL2 of the second lines L2 of the grid GRD.Unit pattern U7 is a pattern composed of a cell CL defined byconsecutive two first lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2 inwhich line fragments Ta1 and Ta2 are disposed at two sides facing eachother and line fragments Tb1 and Tb2 are disposed at the other two sidesfacing each other. That is, unit pattern U7 is closed by the linefragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 and the secondlines L2 are crossed each other such that the clockwise angle from afirst line L1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, thecounterclockwise angle is acute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, unit pattern U7 is a rhombus.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU7 are formed to share a single line fragment T. For example, in the twounit patterns U7 arranged consecutively in extending direction DL1 ofthe first lines L1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U7 areformed such that one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary is usedas line fragment Tb1 in one unit pattern U7 and is also used as linefragment Tb2 in the other unit pattern U7.

EXAMPLE 8

FIG. 23 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 8. Unit patterns U8 a and U8 b are shown at the left of FIG. 23.The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U8 a and U8 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U8 a arranged along thediagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of cells CL in thegrid GRD and a plurality of unit patterns U8 b arranged along the samediagonal line direction, those are arranged alternately in the otherdiagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2) of cells CL.

Unit pattern U8 a is a pattern composed of two cells CL defined byconsecutive two first lines L1 and consecutive three second lines L2 inwhich line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are disposed atsix sides of these cells CL excluding the sides of the boundarytherebetween. Unit pattern U8 b is a pattern composed of two cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive two secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta5, Tab6, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, and Tb6 aredisposed at six sides of these cells CL excluding the sides of theboundary therebetween. That is, unit patterns U8 a and U8 b are closedby the line fragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 andthe second lines L2 are crossed each other such that the clockwise anglefrom a first line L1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, thecounterclockwise angle is acute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, each of unit patterns U8 a and U8 b is a parallelogram whoselong side is twice its short side.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU8 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U8 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U8 a and U8 b are formed to share one linefragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U8 a arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds1, the outlines of these twounit patterns U8 a are formed such that one line fragment Ta disposed attheir boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 in one unit pattern U8 a andis used as line fragment Ta3 in the other unit pattern U8 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U8 b arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds1, the outlines of these twounit patterns U8 b are formed such that one line fragment Tb disposed attheir boundary is used as line fragment Tb4 in one unit pattern U8 b andis also used as line fragment Tb5 in the other unit pattern U8 b.

One unit pattern U8 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U8 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U8 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta4, Tb1, and Tb2 are shared with the outlines of the four unitpatterns U8 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U8 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U8a. The outline of this unit pattern U8 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta5, Ta6, Tb3, and Tb6 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U8 a.

EXAMPLE 9

FIG. 24 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 9. Unit patterns U9 a and U9 b are shown at the left of FIG. 24.The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U9 a and U9 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U9 a arranged alongextending direction DL2 of the second lines L2 of the grid GRD and aplurality of unit patterns U9 b arranged along the same extendingdirection DL2, those are arranged alternately along diagonal linedirection Ds6 of a quadrangle composed of three cells CL consecutive inextending direction DL1 of the first lines L1.

Unit pattern U9 a is a pattern composed of three out of four cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive three secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, andTb4 are disposed at eight sides of these cells CL excluding the sides ofthe boundaries therein. Unit pattern U9 b is a pattern composed of threeout of four cells CL defined by consecutive three first lines L1 andconsecutive three second lines L2 in which line fragments Ta5, Ta6, Ta7,Tab8, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are disposed at eight sides of these cellsCL excluding the sides of the boundaries therein. That is, unit patternsU9 a and U9 b are closed by the line fragments T. In the exampledepicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are crossed eachother such that the clockwise angle from a first line L1 to a secondline L2 is obtuse (that is, the counterclockwise angle is acute), andpitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, each of unit patterns U9 aand U9 b is an obtuse-angled V-shape.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU9 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U9 b, and the outlinesof adjacent unit patterns U9 a and U9 b are formed to share at least oneline fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U9 a arrangedconsecutively in extending direction DL2 of second lines L2, theoutlines of these two unit patterns U9 a are formed such that one linefragment Ta disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta2 inone unit pattern U9 a and is also used as line fragment Ta4 in the otherunit pattern U9 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U9 b arrangedconsecutively in extending direction DL2 of second lines L2, theoutlines of these two unit patterns U9 b are formed such that one linefragment Ta disposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta5 inone unit pattern U9 b and is used as line fragment Ta7 in the other unitpattern U9 b.

One unit pattern U9 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U9 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U9 a is formed such that its line fragmentsTa1, Ta3, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U9 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U9 b is adjacent to four unit patterns U9a. The outline of this unit pattern U9 b is formed such that its linefragments Ta6, Ta8, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are shared with the outlinesof the four unit patterns U9 a.

EXAMPLE 10

FIG. 25 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 10. Unit pattern U10 is shown at the left of FIG. 25. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U10arranged along extending direction DL2 of the second lines L2 and thediagonal line direction Ds6 of a quadrangle composed of three cells CLconsecutive in extending direction DL1 of the first lines L1.

Unit pattern U10 is a pattern composed of six out of a plurality ofcells CL defined by consecutive four first lines L1 and consecutive fivesecond lines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6,Ta7, Ta8, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, Tb4, Tb5, and Tb6 are disposed at fourteensides of these cells CL excluding the sides of the boundaries therein.That is, unit patterns U10 is closed by the line fragments T. In theexample depicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are crossedeach other such that the clockwise angle from a first line L1 to asecond line L2 is obtuse (that is, the counterclockwise angle is acute),and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, unit pattern U10 isformed as two obtuse-angled (or acute-angled) V-shapes connected to eachother at their bending portions with one twisted laterally and turnedupside down.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU10 are formed to share at least one line fragment T. For example, inthe two unit patterns U10 arranged consecutively in extending directionDL2 of second lines L2, the outlines of these two unit patterns U10 areformed such that two line fragments Ta and one line fragment Tb disposedat their boundary are used as line fragments Ta1, Ta3, and Tb3 in theone unit pattern U10 and are also used as line fragments Tab6, Ta8, andTb4 in the other unit pattern U10.

EXAMPLE 11

FIG. 26 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 11. Unit pattern U11 is shown at the left of FIG. 26. Theelectrode pattern PT of this example is a set of unit patterns U11arranged along the diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2)of the cells CL in the grid GRD and the diagonal line direction Ds7 of aquadrangle composed of two cells CL consecutive in extending directionDL1 of the first lines L1.

Unit pattern U11 is a pattern composed of three out of four cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive three secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, andTb4 are disposed at eight sides of these cells CL excluding the sides ofthe boundaries therein. That is, unit pattern U11 is closed by the linefragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 and the secondlines L2 are crossed each other such that the clockwise angle from afirst line L1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, thecounterclockwise angle is acute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, unit pattern U11 is an acute-angled V-shape.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU11 are formed to share at least one line fragment T. For example, inthe two unit patterns U11 arranged consecutively in arrangementdirection Ds2, the outlines of these two unit patterns U11 are formedsuch that one line fragment Ta and one line fragment Tb disposed attheir boundary are used as line fragments Ta2 and Tb2 in one unitpattern U11 and are also used as line fragments Ta4 and Tb4 in the otherunit pattern U11.

EXAMPLE 12

FIG. 27 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 12. Unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are shown at the left of FIG.27. The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U12 a and U12 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U12 a arranged along thediagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of the cells CL inthe grid GRD and a plurality of unit patterns U12 b arranged along thesame diagonal line direction, those are arranged alternately along theother diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2) of the cellsCL.

Unit pattern U12 a is a pattern composed of three out of four cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive three secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, andTb4 are disposed at eight sides of these cells CL excluding the sides ofthe boundaries therein. Unit pattern U12 b is a pattern composed ofthree out of four cells CL defined by consecutive three first lines L1and consecutive three second lines L2 in which line fragments Ta5, Ta6,Ta7, Ta8, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, and Tb8 are disposed at eight sides of thesecells CL excluding the sides of the boundaries therein. That is, unitpatterns U12 a and U12 b are closed by the line fragments T. In theexample depicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are crossedeach other such that the clockwise angle from a first line L1 to asecond line L2 is obtuse (that is, the counterclockwise angle is acute),and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, each of unit patternsU12 a and U12 b is formed in an acute-angled V-shape.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU12 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U12 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U12 a and U12 b are formed to shareat least one line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U12a arranged consecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines ofthese two unit patterns U12 a are formed such that one line fragment Taand one line fragment Tb disposed at their boundary are used as linefragments Ta2 and Tb2 in one unit pattern U12 a and are also used asline fragments Ta4 and Tb4 in the other unit pattern U12 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U12 b arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines of these twounit patterns U12 b are formed such that one line fragment Ta and oneline fragment Tb disposed at their boundary are used as line fragmentsTa5 and Tb5 in one unit pattern U12 b and are used as line fragments Ta7and Tb7 in the other unit pattern U12 b.

One unit pattern U12 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U12 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U12 a is formed such that its linefragments Ta1, Ta3, Tb1, and Tb3 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U12 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U12 b is adjacent to four unit patternsU12 a. The outline of this unit pattern U12 b is formed such that itsline fragments Ta6, Ta8, Tb6, and Tb8 are shared with the outlines ofthe four unit patterns U12 a.

EXAMPLE 13

FIG. 28 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 13. Unit patterns U13 a and U13 b are shown at the left of FIG.28. The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U13 a and U13 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U13 a arranged along thediagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2) of the cells CL inthe grid GRD and a plurality of unit patterns U13 b arranged along thesame diagonal line direction, those are arranged alternately along theother diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of the cellsCL.

Unit pattern U13 a is a pattern composed of four out of six cells CLdefined by consecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive four secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6, Tb1, Tb2,Tb3, and Tb4 are disposed at ten sides of these cells CL excluding thesides of the boundaries therein. Unit pattern U13 b is a patterncomposed of four out of six cells CL defined by consecutive four firstlines L1 and consecutive three second lines L2 in which line fragmentsTa7, Ta8, Ta9, Ta10, Tb5, Tb6, Tb7, Tb8, Tb9, and Tb10 are disposed atten sides of these cells CL excluding the sides of the boundariestherein. That is, unit patterns U13 a and U13 b are closed by the linefragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 and the secondlines L2 are crossed each other such that the clockwise angle from afirst line L1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, thecounterclockwise angle is acute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, each of unit patterns U13 a and U13 b is formed in anobtuse-angled L-shape.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU13 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U13 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U13 a and U13 b are formed to shareat least one line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U13a arranged consecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines ofthese two unit patterns U13 a are formed such that one line fragment Tadisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Ta1 in one unitpattern U13 a and is also used as line fragment Ta6 in the other unitpattern U13 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U13 b arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines of these twounit patterns U13 b are formed such that one line fragment Tb disposedat their boundary is used as line fragment Tb5 in one unit pattern U13 band is used as line fragment Tb10 in the other unit pattern U13 b.

One unit pattern U13 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U13 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U13 a is formed such that its linefragments Ta2, Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4 are shared with theoutlines of the four unit patterns U13 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U13 b is adjacent to four unit patternsU13 a. The outline of this unit pattern U13 b is formed such that itsline fragments Ta7, Ta8, Ta9, Ta10, Tb6, Tb7, Tb8, and Tb9 are sharedwith the outlines of the four unit patterns U13 a.

EXAMPLE 14

FIG. 29 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 14. Unit patterns U14 a and U14 b are shown at the left of FIG.29. The electrode pattern PT of this example is a combination of unitpatterns U14 a and U14 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PT is acombination of a plurality of unit patterns U14 a arranged along thediagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds2) of cells CL in thegrid GRD and a plurality of unit patterns U14 b arranged along the samediagonal line direction, those are arranged alternately in the otherdiagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of the cells CL.

Unit pattern U14 a is a pattern composed of two cells CL defined byconsecutive three first lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2 inwhich line fragments Ta1, Ta2, Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, and Tb4 are disposed atsix sides of these cells CL excluding the side of the boundarytherebetween. Unit pattern U14 b is a pattern composed of two cells CLdefined by consecutive two first lines L1 and consecutive three secondlines L2 in which line fragments Ta3, Ta4, Ta5, Ta6, Tb5, and Tb6 aredisposed at six sides of these cells CL excluding the side of theboundary therebetween. That is, unit patterns U14 a and U14 b are closedby the line fragments T. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 andthe second lines L2 are crossed each other such that the clockwise anglefrom a first line L1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, thecounterclockwise angle is acute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal.Therefore, each of unit patterns U14 a and U14 b is a parallelogramwhose long side is twice its short side.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU14 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U14 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U14 a and U14 b are formed to shareat least one line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U14a arranged consecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines ofthese two unit patterns U14 a are formed such that one line fragment Tbdisposed at their boundary is used as line fragment Tb1 in one unitpattern U14 a and is also used as line fragment Tb4 in the other unitpattern U14 a.

Furthermore, for example, in the two unit patterns U14 b arrangedconsecutively in arrangement direction Ds2, the outlines of these twounit patterns U14 b are formed such that one line fragment Ta disposedat their boundary is used as line fragment Ta3 in one unit pattern U14 band is used as line fragment Ta6 in the other unit pattern U14 b.

One unit pattern U14 a is adjacent to four unit patterns U14 b. Theoutline of this unit pattern U14 a is formed such that its linefragments Ta1, Ta2, Tb2, and Tb3 are shared with the outlines of thefour unit patterns U14 b.

Furthermore, one unit pattern U14 b is adjacent to four unit patternsU14 a. The outline of this unit pattern U14 b is formed such that itsline fragments Ta4, Ta5, Tb5, and Tb6 are shared with the outlines ofthe four unit patterns U14 a.

EXAMPLE 15

FIG. 30 schematically shows a part of the electrode pattern PT ofexample 15. The electrode pattern PT of this example is a set of zigzagdetection lines W extended along the diagonal line direction(arrangement direction Ds2) of cells CL in the grid GRD and arrangedalong the other diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) ofcells CL at certain intervals. A unit pattern U15 is shown at the leftof FIG. 30 and the detection line W is a set of unit patterns U15connected to each other at their ends and arranged along arrangementdirection Ds2.

Unit pattern U15 is a pattern composed of two line fragments Ta and Tbarranged at adjacent two sides in a cell defined by consecutive twofirst lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2. In the exampledepicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2 are crossed eachother such that the clockwise angle from a first line L1 to a secondline L2 is obtuse (that is, the counterclockwise angle is acute), andpitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, unit pattern U15 is formedin an obtuse-angled V-shape.

Other than the above-explained examples 1 to 15, various patternsincluding line fragments Ta and Tb arranged in the grid GRD can beadopted as the electrode pattern PT as long as those patterns satisfythe conditions 1 and 2.

The same patterns adopted in the electrode pattern PT for the detectionelectrodes Rx can be used in the dummy electrodes DR. In that case, thepattern of the dummy electrodes DR may be formed such that ends of linefragments are disconnected for creating the electrically floating state.

In examples 1 to 15, if the first lines L1 and the second lines L2satisfy the condition 1, moiré caused by the interference between linefragments Ta and Tb disposed on the first lines L1 and the second lineL2 and the display area DA can be prevented or reduced. Furthermore, inexamples 1 to 15, if arrangement directions Ds1 and Ds2 at each crossingpoint of the first lines L1 and second lines L2 in the grid GRD satisfythe condition 2, moiré caused by the interference between the joints ofthe line fragments Ta and Tb disposed at the intersections and thedisplay area DA. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide a liquidcrystal display device DSP which can prevent or reduce moiré.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, detection electrodes Rx andsensor driving electrode (common electrode CE) of the sensor SE aredisposed in different layers with a dielectric intervening therebetween.If the detection electrodes Rx and the sensor driving electrode aredisposed on the same layer, electric corrosion may occur between thedetection electrodes Rx and the sensor diving electrode. The presentembodiment can prevent such electric corrosion.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, if the common electrode CEdisposed inside the liquid crystal display panel PNL is used for boththe display electrode and the sensor driving electrode as in themutual-capacitive sensing method, there is no need to prepare anadditional sensor driving electrode for sensing purpose only in theliquid crystal display device DSP. If there is such a sensor drivingelectrode for sensing purpose only, moiré may occur by the interferencebetween this sensor driving electrode and the detection electrodes Rx orthe display area DA. In contrast, such moiré can be prevented in thepresent embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since thecommon electrode CE is formed of a transparent conductive material,moiré caused by the interference between the common electrode CE and thedisplay area DA or the detection electrodes Rx can be prevented orreduced.

Furthermore, as in examples 1 to 5 and 7 to 14, if the electrode patternPT is composed of unit patterns closed by line fragments T and adjacentunit patterns share at least one line fragment T, a breakdown indetection electrodes Rx does not occur easily. This is because, in theseunit patterns, even if a breakdown occurs in one part of the adjacentunit patterns, an electrical connection between the line fragments Tnext to this breakdown part can be rerouted and maintained. Therefore,the reliability of the liquid crystal display device DSP can be improvedif examples 1 to 5 and 7 to 14 are adopted.

Thin fragments T are disposed at every crossing point within the gridGRD in examples 1 and 7 whereas line fragments T are reduced suitably inexamples 2 to 5 and 8 to 14. If examples 2 to 5 and 8 to 14 are adopted,the number of line fragments T per unit area on the display area DA canbe reduced. Therefore, a decrease in an aperture ratio of the liquidcrystal display panel PNL can be prevented. Furthermore, if suchelectrode patterns PT with less line fragments T are adopted, the numberof line fragments T which may interfere the display area DA. Therefore,moiré can be prevented or reduced better if examples 2 to 5 and 8 to 14are adopted.

Furthermore, as in examples 3 to 5 and 8 to 14, if electrode patterns PTare formed with various types of unit patterns and bending unitpatterns, the electrode patterns PT are intricate and thus, thedetection performance of the sensor SE can be maintained good. If thenumber of line fragments T is reduced, an area in which the commonelectrode CE and the line fragments T face each other is reduced on thedetection surface. If a noncounter area in which the common electrode CEand line fragments T fail to face each other spreads over wide range onthe detection surface, a contact of a finger of a user may not bedetected therein. If examples 3 to 5 and 8 to 14 are adopted, theelectrode patterns PT are intricate and such a noncounter area does notspread over wide range on the detection surface and thus, the detectionperformance of the sensor SE can be maintained good.

In addition to the above, various advantages can be obtained from thepresent embodiment.

The structure of the embodiment explained above can be variedarbitrarily. Some variations are presented hereinafter for reference.

(Variation 1)

Pixel arrangement in the display area DA is not limited to those shownin FIGS. 12 and 14. In this variation, another pixel arrangement in thedisplay area DA is explained with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 showsthe display area DA in which red subpixels SPXR, green subpixels SPXG,and blue subpixels SPXB are arranged in a matrix extending in directionsX and Y. Subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB are arranged such that the samecolor subpixels do not continue in either direction X or direction Y.One unit pixel PX is composed of a subpixel SPXR and a subpixel SPXGarranged in direction X and a subpixel SPXB arranged below the subpixelSPXR.

Within this display area DA, the arrangement direction of greensubpixels SPXG is used as the first direction D1 (pixel arrangementdirection) since green possesses the maximum luminosity for humansamongst red, green, and blue. Therefore, the first direction D1 crossesdirections X and Y as in the example depicted. Furthermore, thedirection orthogonal to the first direction D1 is defined as seconddirection D2.

Given that the subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXB are all formed in the samerectangular shape, the unit pixel PX of this variation has its firstunit length d1 in the first direction D1 which corresponds to the lengthof the diagonal line of one subpixel SPX. Furthermore, the unit pixel PXhas its second unit length d2 in the second direction D2 whichcorresponds to twice the length of the diagonal line of one subpixelSPX. Even if the display area DA is varied as above, the same advantageobtained in the above embodiment can be achieved.

(Variation 2)

In this variation, still another pixel arrangement in the display areaDA is explained with reference to FIG. 32. FIG. 32 shows the displayarea DA in which red subpixels SPXR, green subpixels SPXG, bluesubpixels SPXB, and white subpixels SPXW are arranged in a matrixextending in directions X and Y. The display area DA includes two kindsof unit pixels PX1 and PX2. Unit pixel PX1 is composed of subpixelsSPXR, SPXG, and SPXB arranged in direction X. Unit pixel PX2 is composedof subpixels SPXR, SPXG, and SPXW arranged in direction Y. Unit pixelsPX1 and PX2 are arranged alternately in direction X. Furthermore, unitpixels PX1 and PX2 are arranged alternately in direction Y.

Amongst red, green, blue, and white, the color possessing the maximumluminosity for humans is white. Within the display area DA, whitesubpixels SPXW are not arranged continuously in either direction X or Y.In that case, the first direction D1 (pixel arrangement direction) canbe defined based on the average luminosity of a combination of subpixelsof different color. For example, in the line of subpixels SPXW and SPXBarranged alternately in direction Y, if the average luminosity of thesesubpixels SPXW and SPXB is higher than the luminosity of the othersubpixels, the first direction D1 can be defined as a direction parallelto direction Y. In that case, the direction orthogonal to the firstdirection D1, that is, the direction parallel to direction X is definedas second direction D2. In the example depicted, unit pixels PX1 and PX2have the same first unit length d1 in the first direction D1.Furthermore, unit pixels PX1 and PX2 have the same second unit length d2in the second direction D2. Even if the display area DA is varied asabove, the same advantage obtained in the above embodiment can beachieved.

Variation 2 has been explained given that unit pixel PX2 is with a whitesubpixel SPXW; however, instead of white subpixel SPXW, unit pixel PX2may include a subpixel of a different color such as yellow.

(Variation 3)

In the above embodiment, the electrode patterns PT are composed of twotypes of line fragments Ta and Tb. However, the number of types of theline fragments T can be increased to form the electrode patterns PT.

For example, an electrode pattern PT composed of three types of linefragments T is shown in FIG. 33. This electrode pattern PT is composedof line fragments Ta and Tb, and in addition thereto, line fragments Tc.Each line fragment Tc is disposed between two intersections alongside inthe diagonal line direction (arrangement direction Ds1) of fourintersections defined by two first lines L1 and two second lines L2.

Unit patterns U100 a and U100 b are shown in the left of FIG. 33, andthe electrode pattern PT of this variation is formed of a combination ofunit patterns U110 a and U100 b. Specifically, the electrode pattern PTis composed of unit patterns U100 a and unit patterns U100 b arrangedalternately along extending directions DL1 and DL2 of the first lines L1and the second lines L2 of the grid GRD.

The unit pattern U100 a is a pattern composed of line fragments Ta1 andTb1 disposed at adjacent two sides of a cell defined by consecutive twofirst lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2 and a line fragmentTc1 disposed to connect the ends of the line fragments Ta1 and Tb1. Theunit pattern U100 b is a pattern composed of line fragments Ta2 and Tb2disposed at adjacent two sides of a cell defined by consecutive twofirst lines L1 and consecutive two second lines L2 and a line fragmentTc2 disposed to connect the ends of the line fragments Ta2 and Tb2. Thatis, the unit patterns U100 a and U100 b are closed by the line fragmentsT. In the example depicted, the first lines L1 and the second lines L2are crossed each other such that the clockwise angle from a first lineL1 to a second line L2 is obtuse (that is, the counterclockwise angle isacute), and pitch P1 and pitch P2 are equal. Therefore, each of the unitpatterns U100 a and U100 b is an isosceles triangle. Or, each of theunit patterns U100 a and U100 b may be an equilateral triangle.

In this electrode pattern PT, the outlines of two adjacent unit patternsU14 a, the outlines of two adjacent unit patterns U14 b, and theoutlines of adjacent unit patterns U100 a and U100 b are formed to shareone line fragment T. For example, in the two unit patterns U100 a andU100 b arranged consecutively in extending direction DL1 of the firstlines L1, the outlines of these two unit patterns U100 a and U100 b areformed such that one line fragment Tc disposed at their boundary is usedas line fragment Tc1 in the unit pattern U100 a and is also used as linefragment Tc2 in the unit pattern U100 b.

Even if the electrode pattern PT is prepared using the line fragments Tcextending in arrangement direction Ds1 as in variation 3, moiré causedby the interference between the electrode pattern PT and the displayarea DA can be prevented or reduced as in the above-describedembodiment. That is, given that arrangement direction Ds1 satisfies thecondition 2, the extending direction of the line fragments Tc is tiltedwith respect to the first direction D1 by the angles corresponding toarc tangent (atan) of the ratio between the value obtained bymultiplying first unit length d2 by a first integer m (m≥2) and thevalue obtained by multiplying second unit length d2 by a second integern (n≥2 and m≠n). Then, the extending direction of the line fragments Tcsatisfies the condition 1, too. Thus, moiré caused by the interferencebetween the electrode pattern PT and the display area DA can beprevented or reduced. Note that the same advantage can be obtained evenif the line fragments extend in arrangement direction Ds2 in theelectrode pattern PT.

Examples 14, 15, 19, 20, and 23 and variation 3 show the electrodepatterns PT including two types of unit patterns. However, an electrodepattern PT including three or more unit patterns may be adopted.

Based on the structures which have been described in the above-describedembodiment and variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art mayachieve structures with arbitral design changes; however, as long asthey fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention, suchstructures are encompassed by the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the electrode patterns PT only including a part designed basedon the technical concept of the above-described embodiment andvariations should be acknowledged made within the scope of the inventionand actual products with minor differences and design changes caused bytheir production process should never be acknowledged beyond the scopeof the invention.

Furthermore, regarding the present embodiments, any advantage and effectthose will be obvious from the description of the specification orarbitrarily conceived by a skilled person are naturally consideredachievable by the present invention.

Some examples of a sensor-equipped display device obtained from theembodiments are described below.

[1] A sensor-equipped display device, comprising:

-   -   a display panel including a display area in which unit pixels        are arranged in a matrix, each of unit pixels including a        plurality of subpixels corresponding to different colors; and    -   a detection electrode including conductive line fragments        arranged on a detection surface which is parallel to the display        area, the detection electrode configured to detect a contact or        approach of an object to the detection surface, wherein    -   the detection electrode includes an electrode pattern formed of        the line fragments on a grid defined by first lines extending        parallel to each other within the detection surface and second        lines extending parallel to each other within the detection        surface, the first lines and the second lines crossing each        other to form intersections, and the line fragments selectively        arranged between intersections adjacent to each other in the        grid,    -   an extending direction of the first lines, an extending        direction of the second lines, and a diagonal line direction of        the grid are tilted with respect to a first direction by an        angle corresponding to arc tangent of a ratio between a value        obtained by multiplying a first unit length of the unit pixel in        the first direction by a first integer which is two or more and        a value obtained by multiplying second unit length of the unit        pixel in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first        direction by a second integer which is two or more and different        from the first integer, and    -   the first direction is a direction in which, amongst the        plurality of subpixels, subpixels having maximum luminosity for        humans are aligned on the display area.

[2] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

-   -   the absolute value of the difference between the first integer        and the second integer is 1, the first integer and the second        integer used to determine a tilt angle from a first direction        with respect to at least one of the extending direction of the        first lines, the extending direction of the second lines, and        the diagonal line direction.

[3] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

-   -   the electrode pattern is a pattern in which the line fragments        are selectively arranged between intersections adjacent to each        other in the first lines and intersections adjacent to each        other in the second lines in the grid.

[4] The sensor-equipped display device according to example [1], wherein

-   -   the electrode pattern is a pattern in which the line fragments        are selectively arranged between intersections adjacent to each        other in the first lines, intersections adjacent to each other        in the second lines, and intersections adjacent to each other in        the diagonal line direction in the grid.

[5] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

-   -   the electrode pattern includes unit patterns of which outlines        are closed by the line fragments, and    -   the outlines of the unit patterns adjacent to each other share        at least one of the line fragments.

[6] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

-   -   the electrode pattern includes a plurality of types of unit        patterns of which outlines are closed by the line fragments, and    -   the outlines of the plurality of types of unit patterns are        different in shape.

[7] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein

-   -   the electrode pattern is a pattern in which the line fragments        are arranged alternately in the diagonal line direction such        that the line fragments arranged between intersections adjacent        to each other in the first lines and the line fragments arranged        between intersections adjacent to each other in the second lines        are connected at ends thereof.

[8] The sensor-equipped display device according to the example [1],further comprising:

-   -   a driving electrode configured to form a capacitance between the        detection electrode and thereof; and    -   a detection circuit configured to detect a contact or approach        of an object to the detection surface based on a change in the        capacitance, wherein    -   the line fragment includes a metal material, and    -   the driving electrode includes a transmissive material and is        disposed in a layer different from the detection electrode in a        normal direction of the display area to be opposed to the        detection electrode with a dielectric intervening therebetween.

[9] The sensor equipped display device according to the example [1],wherein the display panel comprises a common electrode forming acapacitance between the detection electrode and thereof, and a pixelelectrode provided with each sub pixel to be opposed to the commonelectrode with an insulating film intervening therebetween, and

-   -   the display device further comprises a detection circuit        configured to detect a contact and approach of an object to the        detection surface based on a change in the capacitance, and a        driving circuit configured to supply a first driving signal for        driving the subpixels and a second driving signal for forming        the capacitance used by the detection circuit to detect a        contact or approach of an object to the detection surface,        selectively, to the common electrode.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A sensor device, comprising: aplurality of units arranged in a matrix; and a detection electrodeincluding conductive line fragments arranged on a detection surface,wherein the detection electrode includes an electrode pattern formed ofthe line fragments on a grid defined by first lines extending parallelto each other within the detection surface and second lines extendingparallel to each other within the detection surface, the first lines andthe second lines crossing each other to form intersections, and the linefragments selectively arranged between intersections adjacent to eachother in the grid, a first extending direction of the first lines istilted with respect to a predetermined first direction by an angle θ1, asecond extending direction of the second lines is tilted with respect tothe first direction by an angle θ2, a first diagonal line direction ofthe grid is tilted with respect to the first direction by an angle φ1,and a second diagonal line direction of the grid is tilted with respectthe first direction by an angle φ2, each unit has a first unit length d1in the first direction, and has a second unit length d2 in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, the angles θ1 and θ2 aredifferent from each other, and satisfy following equations usingintegers M1, N1, M2 and N2 greater than or equal to two, where M1≠N1,M2≠N2, and M1:N1 M2:N2, θ1=a tan [(N1×d2)/(M1×d1)] θ2=a tan[(N2×d2)/(M2×d1)], and the angles φ1 and φ2 are different from eachother, and satisfy following equations using m1, n1, m2 and n2 greaterthan or equal to two, where m1≠n1, m2≠n2, and m1:n1≠m2:n2, φ1=a tan[(n1×d2)≠(m1×d1)] φ2=a tan [(n2×d2)≠(m2×d1)].
 2. The sensor deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the differencebetween the integer M1 and the integer N1, the absolute value of thedifference between the integer M2 and the integer N2, the absolute valueof the difference between the integer m1 and the integer n1, and theabsolute value of the difference between the integer m2 and the integern2 are
 1. 3. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode pattern is a pattern in which the line fragments areselectively arranged between intersections adjacent to each other in thefirst lines and intersections adjacent to each other in the second linesin the grid.
 4. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode pattern is a pattern in which the line fragments areselectively arranged between intersections adjacent to each other in thefirst lines, intersections adjacent to each other in the second lines,and intersections adjacent to each other in the diagonal line directionin the grid.
 5. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode pattern includes unit patterns of which outlines are closed bythe line fragments, and the outlines of the unit patterns adjacent toeach other share at least one of the line fragments.
 6. The sensordevice according to claim 1, wherein the electrode pattern includes aplurality of types of unit patterns of which outlines are closed by theline fragments, and the outlines of the plurality of types of unitpatterns are different in shape.
 7. The sensor device according to claim1, wherein the electrode pattern is a pattern in which the linefragments are arranged alternately in the diagonal line direction suchthat the line fragments arranged between intersections adjacent to eachother in the first lines and the line fragments arranged betweenintersections adjacent to each other in the second lines are connectedat ends thereof.
 8. The sensor device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a driving electrode configured to form a capacitance betweenthe detection electrode and thereof; and a detection circuit configuredto detect a contact or approach of an object to the detection surfacebased on a change in the capacitance, wherein the line fragment includesa metal material, and the driving electrode includes a transmissivematerial and is disposed in a layer different from the detectionelectrode in a normal direction of the detection surface to be opposedto the detection electrode with a dielectric intervening therebetween.9. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein The detectionelectrode includes island-like patterns arranged in matrix on thedetection surface.
 10. The sensor device according to claim 9, furthercomprising a detection circuit configured to supply a driving signal tothe detection electrode and to detect a contact or approach of an objectto the detection surface based on an output from the detectionelectrode.